Forest and Rangeland Major

• What is Forest and Rangeland?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Forest and Rangeland?
• What Courses Do Forest and Rangeland Majors Take?
• List of Forest and Rangeland Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Forest and Rangeland Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Forest and Rangeland?

Rangeland Ecology and Management is an area of study that deals with the biological and physical processes of ecosystems and the application of this knowledge to the sustainable use of rangelands. Range managers develop the scientific background and skills to manage rangeland resources so their usefulness to people is enhanced and their long-term productivity assured. Range management professionals may inventory soils, plants, and animals; develop resource management plans; help restore degraded rangelands; or manage a preserve or ranch. Forest and Rangeland Studies is a multidisciplinary area of exploration. It includes specialists who come out of all of the sciences, most importantly, geology, physics, chemistry, biology, meteorology, climatology and paleontology. The exploration of the world's marine environments deals with many phenomena which we are just beginning to understand. These include climate change, plate tectonics, ocean circulation, marine biology and ecology, marine pharmaceuticals, seafloor mapping, seismology, beach erosion, the El Nino phenomenon, and atmospheric change. Many students will choose to specialize in one of the core disciplines and take selected courses in Forest and Rangeland Studies, courses which may originate in any of the departments noted.

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What Kinds of Students Major in Forest and Rangeland?

Students majoring in Forest and Rangeland Studies are those who enjoy math and science and who have a fondness for being in the out-of-doors. Although much oceanographic work is done on board research vessels, employment on those vessels is limited for undergraduates, except as internships. Still, some opportunities exist for employment on shore-based work and research. Students who are serious about working in Forest and Rangeland Studies will probably have to commit to going to graduate school to find employment. Students are generally encouraged to focus on one of the sciences within this major.

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What Courses Do Forest and Rangeland Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Forest and Rangeland majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Chemical Forest and Rangeland Studies	Coastal Landscape and Ecology
Field Forest and Rangeland Studies	Marine Biology
Marine Geology and Geophysics	Marine Mammals
Marine Seismology	Methods and Measurements
Ocean Circulation	Ocean Circulation and Climate
Survey of Forest and Rangeland Studies	Water Pollution

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List of Potential Jobs in Forest and Rangeland

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Bureau of Indian Affairs	Bureau of Land Management
Environmental Consulting	National Park Service
Natural Resources Conservation Service	State Land Departments
U.S. Forest Service

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What is the Median Salary Range for Forest and Rangeland Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$39,700

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$64,200

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Forest and Rangeland

MyMajors complete list has 132 schools in the USA with a major in Forest and Rangeland.
-View the national listing!

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